New Sioux Lookout hospital prepares for opening

It’s official. Construction is now complete. Next step: move in.
The Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre is expected to open its doors Nov. 7. It’s the culmination of work decades in the making. Celebrations were held Oct. 15 and 16 for invited guests and the community at large.
“The hopes and dreams of many years have finally become a reality,” said Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy in a press release of the opening. “All people of Sioux Lookout, and our northern communities, will benefit from this new centre.”
The new 140,000 square feet facility is state of the art, has 60 in-patient beds and will combine services currently provided in seven locations in Sioux Lookout.
A strong focus has also been put on First Nation care. With 85 per cent of patients coming from 28 area First Nations, care has been taken to merge traditional and modern healing practices. The new hospital will feature traditional healing, foods, medicine and client support. Staff will receive cross-cultural and client safety training.
“While this is a time to celebrate there is also much work to be done to ensure a smooth transition as we move services and staff from multiple locations around the community to a single site,” Meno Ya Win CEO David Murray said.
During the first week of November, all hospital services will be moved to the new site.
The new hospital is the result of an agreement between Sioux Lookout, 30 Nishnawbe Aski Nation communities, Ontario and the federal government. It replaces two aging hospital locations in Sioux Lookout.
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For more on the opening of the Meno Ya Win Health Centre, see the Oct. 28 issue of Wawatay News.